Hey y'all! If you're craving comfort food with a healthy, plant-based twist, these Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils are about to become your new favorite. They're rich, saucy, and satisfyingly messy—just like classic Sloppy Joes, but with wholesome lentils as the star. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, this recipe is brimming with flavor and sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils Recipe
- It’s a high-protein, fiber-rich meal that keeps you full and energized.
- Made with pantry-friendly ingredients and no specialty items required.
- Ready in under 40 minutes for a quick, satisfying dinner.
- The sauce is rich, tangy, and perfectly coats the tender lentils.
- It’s a budget-friendly, family-friendly recipe everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients for Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4-6 hamburger buns, toasted
How to Make Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- While the lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked lentils to the skillet. Stir well, ensuring lentils are coated in the sauce.
- Simmer on low for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Spoon the lentil mixture onto toasted buns. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Notes for the Best Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils
- If you prefer a saucier mix, add a splash of water or broth during simmering. See more about cooking lentils perfectly.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free buns.
- You can add ½ cup finely diced carrots for extra sweetness and nutrition.
Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils: Variations
- Spicy Chipotle: Add 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
- Mushroom Medley: Stir in 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms with the onion for an earthy flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Swap smoked paprika for sweet paprika and omit red pepper flakes for a milder taste.
Equipment Needed for Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils
Store leftover lentil mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to avoid soggy buns.
Serving & Pairing Ideas for Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils
- Serve with classic coleslaw or a crisp green salad.
- Pair with oven-baked sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables.
- Top with sliced pickles, avocado, or a sprinkle of vegan cheese for extra flair.
Pro Tips for Perfect Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils
- Don’t overcook the lentils—aim for tender, not mushy. For more tips, check this Serious Eats guide.
- Toast your buns for a sturdier, non-soggy texture.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes after cooking to thicken and deepen the flavors.
Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Lentils FAQ
- Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
- Yes! Use two 15-ounce cans of drained and rinsed lentils. Skip the boiling step and reduce simmer time to 5-8 minutes.
- Is this recipe vegan?
- Absolutely—just make sure your buns are vegan-friendly.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, the lentil mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated before serving.
For more information about the nutritional benefits of lentils, visit the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions
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1In a medium saucepan, add lentils and cover with 2 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain any excess water.
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2While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and green bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
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3Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
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4Add cooked lentils to the skillet. Stir well to combine and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
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5Toast hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the lentil mixture onto buns and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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